Relative Strength Index Calculator

The Relative Strength Index (RSI) is a popular technical indicator used in financial markets to analyze the momentum and strength of a financial asset, such as a stock or a currency pair. It’s a tool that helps traders and investors make decisions about buying or selling assets based on overbought or oversold conditions.

Here’s how the RSI works:

1. Calculation: The RSI is calculated using a formula that takes into account the average gain and average loss over a specified period, usually 14 periods. The formula is as follows:

   RSI = 100 – (100 / (1 + RS))

   • RS (Relative Strength) is the ratio of average gain to average loss over the specified period. It’s calculated as follows:

     RS = (Average Gain / Average Loss)

   • The average gain is the average of the positive price changes over the specified period, and the average loss is the average of the negative price changes. These are usually calculated as absolute values.

2. Interpretation:

   • RSI Values: The RSI typically produces values between 0 and 100.

   • Overbought: When the RSI goes above 70, it is considered overbought. This suggests that the asset may be trading at a relatively high price, and there is a potential for a price reversal or correction.

   • Oversold: When the RSI falls below 30, it is considered oversold. This indicates that the asset may be trading at a relatively low price, and there is a potential for a price rebound or rally.

   • Divergence: Traders also look for divergence between the RSI and the asset’s price movement. For example, if the RSI is making higher highs while the asset’s price is making lower highs, it may indicate a potential trend reversal.

3. Trading Signals:

   • Overbought conditions may be taken as a signal to sell or take profits because it suggests that the asset is overvalued and a price correction may be imminent.

   • Oversold conditions may be taken as a signal to buy because it suggests that the asset is undervalued, and a price rebound may be on the horizon.

4. Time Frame: Traders can adjust the time frame of the RSI to suit their trading strategies. Shorter time frames (e.g., 9 periods) make the RSI more sensitive to recent price changes, while longer time frames (e.g., 14 or 28 periods) smooth out the data and provide longer-term signals.

The RSI is a valuable tool for technical analysis, and it’s commonly used in conjunction with other indicators and analyses to make trading decisions. However, it’s important to note that the RSI, like all technical indicators, is not foolproof and should be used in combination with other forms of analysis to make well-informed trading decisions.